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BORN
1945
DIED
2020
John Riopelle Obituary
Jack Riopelle was a loving husband, genuine friend, devoted father, successful businessman, and avid Green Bay Packer fan. Surrounded by love and at home, he passed away on October 17, 2020 from Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). Jack was the eldest of eleven children, born to Rheo and Mary Alice Riopelle on August 18, 1945.
Jack is survived by his biggest cheerleader, highschool sweetheart, steadfast partner, and wife of 51 years, Ginny Riopelle. Jack and Ginny have two children, Jed Riopelle and Abbie Flanagan, but have always thought of their childrens' spouses (Kimberly Riopelle and Michael Flanagan) as their children as well. Jack delighted in being "Boppa' to his two granddaughters, Fiona and Margaret, and created many memories with his family and friends at their cabin in Mercer, Wisconsin.
Survivors include his ten siblings and their spouses, Thomas (Kathleen) Riopelle, Lee Anne (James) Scovell, Patrick (Jane Radue) Riopelle, James Riopelle, Joanna Riopelle, Karen (Patrick) DuChateau, Mary (Richard) Bloomer, Tracey (Patrick) O'Leary, DeDe (partner Terry Mclaughlin) Riopelle, Maureen (Robin Balizewski) Riopelle, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jack had a long and successful business career. After graduating from St. Norbert College in 1968, he began climbing the corporate ladder, first working at Procter and Gamble then going on to Shade Information Systems, Central Products, and Bowater Incorporated. In 1993, he accomplished his goal of acquiring his own company, becoming president and part owner of Wisconsin Film and Bag in Shawano. For fourteen years he put his heart and soul into Wisconsin Film and Bag, reminding his team that their work was never about selling plastic bags, but rather about building relationships and delivering on their word.
Through the years, Jack developed many friendships while on several boards of directors, including Foth, CCI Systems, Services Plus, Leicht Industries, and Classic Mix Partners. He was proud of his leadership as the Chairman of the De Pere Redevelopment Authority and the Board Chairman of the Shawano Chamber of Commerce.
Above all else, Jack Riopelle cared about others. He was a generous man with a great laugh who loved to tell stories. He saw the best in people, valued relationships, and sought to help make the lives of others a little better. He was the rock his friends and family could lean on - always there to lend a hand or an ear, no matter the circumstances. He and Ginny believed in launching and lifting others, whether through mentoring or their endowment of a Phuture Phoenix scholarship at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. He was most proud of Wisconsin Cares About Mississippi, a non-profit program he created in 2005 to deliver supplies and needed items to Mississippi communities hit by Hurricane Katrina.
A tribute to Jack's life will be held on Friday, September 10, 2021 at the Green Bay Country Club, 2400 Klondike Road, Green Bay, WI. The gathering will take place from 3:00 - 5:00 pm with a program beginning at 4:00 pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Riopelle
Sponsored by the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Dan Murphy
October 12, 2024
Rio, as you know from our days at St Norbert and in every business you were in following St Norbert you were always the "guy what runs the place." You ran every place in spectacular fashion always putting people first. God bless and keep you my good friend. Michele and I miss you.
Judy Crain
November 5, 2020
Dear Ginny,
John and I want you to know that we are so sad that Jack is no longer with us. We grieve for you and your family. We are among so many others in this community who have had high regard for Jack and who always enjoyed being in his company. The two of you are well-known and appreciated as a wonderful couple who has done so much for others in our community. Jack was a great guy who will never be forgotten!
Blessings to you and your family, Ginny.
Judy and John Crain
Deb and Larry Rose
October 27, 2020
Dear Ginny and Family,
Our memories of Jack are warm and wonderful, just like him. We think back to the days of WF&B and how much Larry enjoyed and appreciated working with Jack. Deb treasures time spent with Jack listening to his stories, which always had lessons in how to embrace differences and lift up people.
Thank you for sharing gracious Jack with us and the world.
In due time, may sweet memories of your lives together bring peace and comfort for your sorrow of today.
Warm regards,
Deb and Larry Rose
Barbara Avery
October 26, 2020
He was a quiet giant who never bragged about himself preferring to talk about his charities. He was an encourager who always had a kind word even when people messed up. With his angel Ginny they blessed everyone they knew including me. My love to his family and may God bless you.
Barbara Avery (Lindemann)
Gail Ondresky
October 26, 2020
Dear Ginny and family, even though our opportunities to get together in Mercer on Camp Nokomis Rd were limited, It was apparent that both you were very giving people and how fortunate we were that you graciously reached out to our neighborhood to bring us together in your beautiful lake home. We are so saddened by the news of Jack’s passing. From what we knew, Jack was so determined to seek the best care and knowledgeable resources for treatment. He certainly had you as a great cheerleader at his side. We send our prayers for comfort and peace to you and your family during this very sad time. Warm Regards, Gail and Mike Ondresky
Michele Murphy
October 25, 2020
I've had the honor and privilege of knowing the Riopelle family through my husband, Dan Murphy. Jack was always so warm and welcoming whenever we visited. His spirit was kind, his heart was tremendous, his smile was warm and his laughter was genuine. Jack will be missed by the Murphy family, but he will live on in our memories and hearts. To Ginny and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers and may God comfort you all and give you peace of mind.
Love to you all, Michele Murphy
David Skog
October 24, 2020
My condolences to the Riopelle family. Jack was the big brother to Jimmy and Karen who I knew. We were the Skogs on Eliza Street. I remember the big house with the big porch always filled with kids. We shared a common school (St. Johns) and a little park St. James. I still remember the first time I heard a Roy Orbison song was at the Riopelles as the older ones were sharing their music with us on that big front porch. Fond memories of a very nice family.
Marty Burns
October 23, 2020
As a neighbor in Mercer, I was lucky enough to become one of Jack's friends, but sadly for just a few years. In that short time, I felt I knew Jack for a lifetime. He was that kind of guy. Supremely genuine in every way.
Jennifer Janian
October 23, 2020
Well, Ginny. I guarantee Greg picked him up in a shiny new “heavenly” sports car and the two of them are zipping around together, gettin in lots of trouble. Just like always.
We love you and the family.
With love and light
Jennifer and Jeff Janian
Greg Thome
October 23, 2020
Dear Ginny, Jeb, Kimberly, Abbie, Michael and Jack’s siblings,
His foundation of love is what you understand so well, but your allowing us all to share in that love, support and friendship means so much to so many. Our prayers are with you all.
David Roznowski
October 23, 2020
Ginny, Jack influenced and motivated so many people in his life going back
To our days at SNC. He has left you, his family, and many others with a
Great vision of how one truly lives an exemplary life. My deepest sympathy
To you and your family.
Dave Roznowski
Richard Gigot
October 23, 2020
Jack was a great friend for 4 years of high school, 4 years of college and our time at Shade. Ginny and Jack stood up for my and Jude's wedding. We think back to our all night bridge games, fraternity parties and still laugh. We have lost a good friend and even better man.
Cathy (Kittell) VanDrisse
October 23, 2020
Ginny, So sorry for your lost of Jack. You two made a difference in my life. You will always be in my heart and Nancy too. My prayers are with you.
Linda Peacock-Landrum
October 22, 2020
Ginny, Jed and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I got to know Jack in my role and UW-Green Bay and through our mutual love for Phoenix Women's Basketball. He was such a valued friend and supporter of the university. I will miss seeing him at the end of our row at the Kress. My thoughts and support are with you all.
Linda Peacock-Landrum
Brian Vorpahl
October 22, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Jack was an outstanding person and one heck of a business man. I learned a lot from Jack when he worked with my former company. He will be missed
Fred Haas
October 21, 2020
Jack was my business associate at Shade for several years, my friend for 40 years. How do you measure a man? I would suggest it would be sincerity, caring, dependable, kept commitments, integrity. Jack Riopelle deserves the highest marks in all. Always a smile, a kind word, a meaningful interest in how you were doing. Jack, was a very special person. I wish him the absolute best on his new journey. I am lucky to have known him. My sincere condolences to Ginny, his children, and, his entire family.
Fred Haas
Dan Murphy
October 21, 2020
Jack and I are fraternity brothers, but more than that we are true friends and brothers. I say that in the present tense because for me it will always be that way. There is an old Irish saying that says, “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.” So my good friend and brother, “Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
Bob & Maureen Seering
October 21, 2020
Ginny and the Riopelle Family,
So sad to learn of Jack’s passing but so glad to remember all the wonderful times we spent together with him and you. He was a dear friend and a true gentle man. We are all blessed to have known him. May he Rest In Peace.
Chris Garnett
October 21, 2020
Ginny, so sorry for your loss. Jack was truly a good friend to my brother Paul Coenen.
Kent Vorpahl
October 20, 2020
I had the privilege of knowing Jack on both a business and personal level. He was both a mentor and a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Jack's family during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Jim Feeney
October 20, 2020
My very special teacher, leader and friend made me the best I could be. He told me early on that everything was about people. He reinforced with me the only rule of consequence was “treat all people with respect”. What a special person.
Mike and Kay Wisneski
October 20, 2020
Jack and I were coworkers at Shade Systems. I enjoyed his integrity and sense of humor. Kay and I send our deepest sympathy to Ginny and extended family.
October 20, 2020
Very sad to hear about Jack. I wish peace to the Riopelle family. It is tough to lose such a good person. I worked on numerous projects with Jack and considered him a good friend and mentor. He will truly be missed.
Kieth Van Dyke
Pamela Paul Shaheen
October 20, 2020
He was a wonderful man. So kind and generous. I was one of his cousins and felt a kinship as I wasjust one year younger, My biggest regret that I only met him a few times - primarily because our paths did not cross very often. He was living in the Green Bay area and I was living in Lansing MI. Yet, each time I had an opportunity to be with him it was always a special occasion. I am blessed to have known him. Although death is a very sad occurrence for family and friends, I am quite confident that he is now in a much better place than he had been for the final years of his life.
I wish him well in his new location and hope to end up reuniting with him sometime there as well.
Pamela,.
Roger Kimps
October 20, 2020
Jack was one of the most positive people I knew. His enthusiasm was always contagious and overall a great person who contributed to the good of mankind. Best to his great family! Rog & Star Kimps
Bill Berry
October 20, 2020
Condolences to the Riopelle family.
Fond memories of the big, bustling home, where everyone was welcome.
Jim Gerhard
October 20, 2020
Ginny, Condolences Jack was one of my best friends thru high school. He'll be missed.
Jim Gerhard
Chuck Patton
October 20, 2020
A good man who will be sadly missed, but he will be so joyfully remembered by the many he met, worked with, and helped. Good thoughts to the entire family
Rob Riopelle
October 19, 2020
What a great guy with a wonderful family.
David Brawner
October 19, 2020
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jack and his wonderful family. Our families have been intwined since the old St John days. I didn’t know Jack, but have ties to many of the family. My most heartfelt condolences and may Jack rest with our Lord.
Nicole Gear
October 19, 2020
Jack was a great man - always very kind, truly interested in making connections, and genuinely celebrated the accomplishments of others. Peace and love to Ginny and the Riopelle family. God bless you, Jack.
Bob and Sandy Richter
October 19, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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